Conductive 3D networks in a 2D layer for high performance ultrafiltration membrane with high flux-retention and robust cyclic stability

A series of highly performing ultrafiltration membranes have been recently developed, but it is still a withstanding challenge that the ultrafiltration membrane can retain both high flux and high retention ratio without sacrificing the cycle life. In this paper, we construct a novel conductive 3D network in a 2D layer for polyethersulfone membrane, which is self-assembled by graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, and polyaniline based on the non-solvent induced phase-inversion separation method. The unique 3D network structure and the distinctive selective layer of polyethersulfone membrane possesses molecule transport channels, double-layer intercepted area, and rigid hybrid structure, which contributes effectively to the small molecule's flux, high molecule's retention, and the membrane cyclic stability. The fabricated ultrafiltration membrane exhibits high retention of solute molecules (over 99%), high flux, and extended life span and stability, due to the improvement in the anti-fouling property. Furthermore, the pseudocapacitance of the conductive polymer polyaniline is used to in-situ monitor the fouling behavior, in order to achieve precise decontamination and prolong the long-term life. The results show that the prepared membrane would have high potential applications in relevant environmental separation processes.